New Products & Services Review

May 01, 2002

TOTAL-BODY CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT

In today's society, time is more important than money, and as such, members want to maximize their workouts in as little time as possible. Total-body conditioning equipment can help members achieve that goal. By simultaneously working both the upper and lower body, total-body exercise equipment can burn more calories and fat in a shorter amount of time. Even for members who have the luxury of time, these machines can help cross-train or add variety to their routines. Total-body conditioning equipment comes in a variety of forms as well, so there is something of interest for every member. From Pilates machines to climbing walls to ellipticals, and more, the following companies offer the best total-body equipment on the market.

AQUATONER

Aquatoner aquatic exercise equipment turns the iso-kinetic properties of water into a whole body workout. The Aquatoner moves underwater and changes shape, providing waves of resistance for the swimmer. The turbulence created by two Aquatoners can travel throughout the pool. Use Aquatoner like a bicycle when you wear a floatation device. A single Aquatoner works the muscles and joints of the lower, middle and upper body. It can also be used for rehabilitation purposes too. Contact: Aquatoner, P.O. Box 4764, Key West, FL 33041; (800) 237-0469; fax: (305) 295-7702; www.aquatoner.com.Circle Reader Service No. 101

BALANCED BODY

Balanced Body introduced the Reformer/Trapeze, which combines the two most popular pieces of Pilates equipment into one efficient, space-saving machine. This total-body conditioning equipment is versatile for a wide variety of Pilates personal training and sport-specific conditioning applications. The Reformer/Trapeze is a practical solution for clubs who plan to offer a complete Pilates program, yet have limited space. The equipment comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Contact: Balanced Body, 7500 14th Ave., Ste. 23, Sacramento, CA 95820; (800) 745-2837; fax: (916) 454-3120; www.balancedbody.com.Circle Reader Service No. 102

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN CO.

The Shuttle System equipment assists people to improve and maintain fitness, rehabilitate limbs and back following injury or surgical procedures and prepare athletes for optimum performance. The large Shuttles have a rebound system built into the moving backrest or carriage. During exercise, the Shuttle allows a full range of motion of the arms and legs. The Shuttles isolate and train abdominal strength, train general train general or specific lower body muscle groups and improve proprioception and upper body strength. Contact: Contemporary Design Co., 1005 Mt. Baker Hwy, P.O. Box 5089, Glacier, WA 98244; (800) 334-5633; fax: (360) 599-2171; www.shuttlesystems.com.Circle Reader Service No. 105

CYCLEPLUS

The CyclePlus TBX 4000 Total Body Workout Center is the industry's first dual-resistance cross-trainer. It offers three cardiovascular modes for upper body only, lower body only or a combined upper and lower body. The cross-trainer is self-powered or with optional AC. The CyclePlus TBX 4000 Total Body Center is a recumbent all body trainer. With three cardiovascular modes, it features a dual motor braking system and includes separate resistance controls for the upper body rower/exerciser. It is self-powered or can be used with AC. Contact: CyclePlus, P.O. Box 1168, Ross, CA 94957; (800) 535-5140; fax: (415) 461-4915.Circle Reader Service No. 106

EXERCYCLE CORP.

The Exercycle combines swimming, rowing, cycling, chin-ups, as well as callisthenic motions in one fluid workout. The motor-driven cycle allows people with neuromuscular and other debilitating conditions to benefit from a full-body workout. Used for both exercise and rehabilitation, the Theracycle helps combat the loss of strength, vigor and vitality. The Theracycle has an adjustable seat for safety and stability, pedals that hold the foot in place and a self-locking, dual-position handlebars. Contact: Exercycle Corp., 667 Providence St., Woomacket, R.I. 02895; (800) 367-6712; fax: (401) 762-0797; www.exercycle.com.Circle Reader Service No. 107

HEART RATE INC.

Heart Rate Inc. manufactures and distributes the climbing workout, the VersaClimber, The VersaClimber comes in two basic sizes and three basic models. The CL-108/109ALX series is perfect for members who are looking for the ultimate cardio workout. The CL-108/109 LX series adds hydraulic resistance to allow members to do a variety of cardio, strength, power and cross training exercises. The CL-108/109ALXP or CL-108/109LXP adds Polar compatible heart rate monitoring. Contact: Heart Rate Inc., 3190 E. Airport Loop, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; (800) 237-2271; fax: (714) 755-5749; www.heartrateinc.com.Circle Reader Service No. 108

NUSTEP INC.

Developed by exercise and ergonomic specialists with the advice of health professionals, the TRS 4000 is designed for maximum effectiveness, safety and ease of use. Simultaneously exercises arms and legs with a smooth, full-range motion. The TRS 4000 is compatible with Polar heart-monitoring system for wireless heart-rate monitoring. Contact: Nustep Inc., 5111 Venture Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108; (800) 322-2209; fax: (734) 769-8180; www.nustep.com.Circle Reader Service No. 112

PEAK PILATES

The Total Workout System® is an innovative multi-function machine combines the popular Pilates Universal Reformer and Cadillac into an easily convertible, compact system for maximum performance and value. It's ideal for private training or small group classes. The Total PilateSystem instructor training and the comprehensive line of premiere Peak Pilates equipment support the versatile Total Workout System. Contact: Peak Pilates, 5425 Airport Blvd. Ste. 103, Boulder, CO 80301; (800) 925-3674; fax: (303) 473-9142; www.peakpilates.com.Circle Reader Service No. 113

PRECOR

Precor announces the launch of the self-powered EFX*556 Total Body Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer™ The next-generation model in the EFX556 line offers greater high-end resistance for a more challenging workout, a unique generator system, which provides low start-up resistance and new on-board diagnostics that add ease of maintenance and service. The sealed-bearing polyurethane wheels, fixed 25° ramp and patented rear drive deliver a no-impact stride that preserves the integrity of a user's natural gait and reduces the risk of over-striding. The durable Precor touch-sensitive keypad technology responds to the slightest touch to a display console presenting programs for a variety of fitness objectives. Also featured is SmartRate* monitoring that establishes a user's target training zones based on age and body weight. Club operators may pre-set maximum workout time and pause length, and language choices including English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese. The EFX556 is CSAFE compatible to accommodate FitLinxx*, CardioTheater*, and other entertainment options. Contact: Precor, 20031 142nd Avenue N.E., P.O. Box 7202, Woodinville, WA 98072; (800) 786-8404; fax: (425) 486-3856; www.precor.com.Circle Reader Service No. 114

REEBOK/CCS FITNESS

Reebok/CCS Fitness incorporates total body exercise into commercial cardiovascular equipment. Total body exercise involves more muscle mass in an aerobic activity. The larger the muscle mass involved, the better fat mobilization, more calories burned and increasing muscle endurance in an efficient time period and a reduced perceived rate of exertion. The elliptical machines allow the back foot to remain parallel to the floor, providing a natural, low-impact exercise. CCS Fitness commercial equipment is life-tested for more than 10,000 hr of club use. Contact: Reebok/CCS Fitness, 16401 E. 33rd Dr, Suite 40, Aurora, CO 80011; (800) 344-0444; fax: (303) 341-8128; www.ccsfitness.com.Circle Reader Service No. 115

SCIFIT

The new SXT7000 Total Body Elliptical from SCIFIT incorporates upper and lower body exercise for a total body workout. The standard Bio-Flex pivoting footbed increases circulation to the foot and ankle area and provides a more natural feel. Other SCIFIT Core products include Sinties' home medical products, as well as SCIFIT®'s line of bikes, treadmills, climbers, elliptical walkers and ergometers. The Cardio-Key® is a patented wireless communication system for exercise program prescription and documentation. Cardio-Key® can store both protocols and compliance for multiple exercise sessions and can be customized for each user. Contact: SciFit, 5616A S. 122nd E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74146; (800) 278-3933; fax: (918) 254-4189; www.scifit.com.Circle Reader Service No. 116

SCHWINN

The Airdyne® stationary bike from Schwinn re-creates the outdoor cycling experience indoors by utilizing an exclusive wind vane system to provide a continuous programmable and variable workload resistance. The fans activated by the handlebars provide a cooling breeze. The Airdyne also includes movable handlebars to work the upper body. Users can also isolate the upper or lower body by using just the handlebars or pedals. Contact: Schwinn, 1690 38th st., Boulder, CO 80301; (800) 724-3466; www.schwinn.com.Circle Reader Service No. 117

SPORTSART

The 8300 total-body elliptical is the latest in a long line of products from SportsArt. Featuring patented adjustable stride technology, the 8300 allows different-size users the ability to customize stride length. This feature also varies the training effect for maximum results, according to the company. Both stride length and resistance levels are adjusted from convenient switches located in the handles. Other features include contact heart rate, heart rate control, and a wide variety of preset and custom courses. Contact: SportsArt, 15500 Woodinville-Redmond Rd., Building C, Ste. 100, Woodinville, WA 98072; (800) 709-1400; www.sportsartfitness.com.Circle Reader Service No. 118